Wireless electrical stimulation system

ABSTRACT

A system and method are provided for a wireless electrical stimulation. The system generally includes at least two electrical stimulation units. Each electrical stimulation unit includes electrodes connected to the unit. The system also includes a transmitter for remotely, wirelessly controlling each of the electrical stimulation units to selectively apply a time-varying electric potential to the electrodes to provide an electrical stimulation to tissue in electrical contact with the electrodes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application which claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/328,433, filed Jul. 10,2014 and Chinese Patent Application No. 201520007315.9 filed Jan. 7,2015. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wireless electrical stimulationsystems, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) andElectrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) systems.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Electrical stimulation systems, such as Transcutaneous Electrical NerveStimulation (TENS) devices, Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) devices,etc., can provide a stimulating waveform and electrical pulses to musclegroups and or nerve areas of the body, more particularly using electrodepads to deliver electrical pulses to particular areas of human bodiesfor pain relief.

Conventional electrical stimulation systems typically have a controlunit hard-wired to a set of electrodes. Typical tethered control unitsare inconvenient to use, allow for only one treatment at a time, andprovide little information to the user regarding the therapy beingdelivered. Wireless controls have been proposed, but for the most partthey function similarly to the tethered control units.

Additionally, many conventional electrical stimulation systems typicallyhave the electrodes connected directly to stimulation units, making itvery difficult to treat parts of a subject's body spaced apart from theelectrical stimulation unit and from each other.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide wireless electricalstimulation systems. According to a preferred embodiment, the systemgenerally includes at least two electrical stimulation units. Eachelectrical stimulation unit includes electrodes connected to the unit.The system also includes a transmitter or a wireless controller forremotely, wirelessly controlling each of the electrical stimulationunits to selectively apply a time-varying electric potential to theelectrodes to provide an electrical stimulation to tissue in electricalcontact with the electrodes. In some preferred embodiments, a processormay be used to apply the time-varying electric potential to theelectrodes to provide the electrical stimulation to tissue in electricalcontact with the electrodes.

In some embodiments, the electrodes can be releasably connected to theelectrical stimulation unit.

In some embodiments, the transmitter can include a unit selector forselecting one of the at least two electrical stimulation units tocontrol with the transmitter.

In some embodiments, the transmitter can include a display forindicating which of the electrical stimulation units has been selected,and/or other information about the operation of the electricalstimulation units.

In some embodiments, at least some of the electrical stimulation unitscan have at least two operating modes, each of which applies atime-varying electrical potential to the electrodes in a differentpattern. In these embodiments, the transmitter can have a mode selectorfor selecting one of the at least two operating modes. The transmittercan also include a display for indicating which of the operating modeshas been selected.

In some embodiments, at least some of the electrical stimulation unitsare capable of operating at at least two intensities. In theseembodiments, the transmitter can have an intensity selector forselecting one of the at least two intensities of operation. Theintensity selector can additionally or alternatively include controlsfor increasing and decreasing intensity. The transmitter can alsoinclude a display for indicating the intensity that has been selected.In some embodiments, at least some of the electrical stimulation unitsare capable of operating for a selectable time period, and thetransmitter has a time selector for selecting the time period ofoperation. The transmitter can also include a display for indicating theselected operating time period.

In some embodiments, the transmitter is a smart phone running anapplication.

In some embodiments, the electrical stimulation unit is carried on aflexible substrate adapted to be applied on a body surface. In someembodiments, the electrical stimulation unit is carried on an article ofclothing (e.g., gloves, socks, slippers, etc.) that can directly contactparticular areas of a body surface.

In some embodiments, the transmitter communicates with the electricalstimulation units via a radio frequency (RF) protocol.

In some embodiments, at least some of the electrical stimulation unitsturn off when communication with the transmitter is interrupted. In someembodiments, at least some of the electrical stimulation units turn offa predetermined time after communication with the transmitter isinterrupted.

In some embodiments, at least some of the electrical stimulation unitshave a power switch and an indicator that indicates when the power ison. The electrical stimulation unit may further include an internalpower supply, and an indicator for indicating the status of the internalpower supply.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method isprovided for operating a plurality of wireless electrical stimulationunits on a subject. The method generally includes remotely, wirelesslytransmitting operating instructions to each of the plurality of wirelesselectrical stimulation units on separate channels using a single remotecontrol.

In some embodiments, each of the wireless electrical stimulation unitsceases operation within a predetermined period of time losingcommunication with the remote control.

In some embodiments, the operating instructions include at least one ofintensity and duration.

In some embodiments, each of the wireless electrical stimulation unitshas at least two modes of operation, and wherein the operatinginstructions include a user selected one of the at least two modes ofoperation.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an electricalstimulation system is provided for providing electrical stimulation to asubject's body. The system includes a transmitter or a wirelesscontroller, an electrical stimulation unit generating electricalstimulation signals in response to the wireless controller, at least twoelectrodes adapted to be disposed in electrical contact with thesubject's body spaced apart from the electrical stimulation unit andfrom each other, and a cable electrically connecting the electricalstimulation unit to the at least two electrodes to apply electricalstimulation signals from the electrical stimulation unit to theelectrodes positioned remotely from the electrical stimulation unit.

In some embodiments, the system includes a substrate adapted to beapplied to a body surface with the at least two electrodes carried onthe substrate.

In some embodiments, the substrate is an article of clothing to be wornby the subject, for example, a sock.

In some embodiments, the cable is a Y-cable having a stem and twobranches, with a plug disposed on the end of the stem, and a connectordisposed on each of the branches. The plug is configured to couple witha socket on the electrical stimulation unit and each of the connectorsis configured for attaching and electrically connecting to an electrode.

In some embodiment, the connectors are configured for permanentlyattaching to the electrodes.

In some embodiments, each of the connectors includes a metal fastenerconfigured for removably attaching with corresponding structuresconfigured on the at least two electrodes.

In some embodiments, the cable is an X-cable having first and secondinput branches, and first and second output branches. Connectors on eachof the input branches are adapted to be connected to the electricalstimulation unit, and connectors on each of the output branches areadapted to connect to an electrode.

In some embodiments, the connectors on the input branches of the X-cableare configured for permanently attaching to the electrical stimulationunit.

In some embodiments, the connectors on the input branches of the X-cableinclude metal fasteners configured for removably coupling withcorresponding structures of the electrical stimulation unit.

In some embodiments, the connectors on the output branches of theX-cable are configured for permanently attaching to an electrode.

In some embodiments, the connectors on the output branches of theX-cable include metal fasteners configured for removably coupling withcorresponding structures on the electrodes.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical stimulationsystem according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transmitter of the wireless electricalstimulation system;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the transmitter;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the electrode substrate;

FIG. 5 is a back elevation view of the electrode substrate;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views illustrating attachment of theelectrode substrate of FIGS. 4 and 5 to the electrical stimulation unit;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate exemplary waveforms for an operating mode 1;

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate exemplary waveforms for an operating mode 2;

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate exemplary waveforms for an operating mode 3;

FIGS. 15-19 illustrate exemplary waveforms for an operating mode 4;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of another transmitter having a timeselector button;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an electrode substrate of the wirelesselectrical stimulation system;

FIG. 22 is a receiver connected with the charging cable of the wirelesselectrical stimulation system;

FIG. 23 is a charging cable of the wireless electrical stimulationsystem;

FIG. 24 is the transmitter connected with the charging cable;

FIG. 25 is a smart phone having an application running as a transmitterof the wireless electrical stimulation system;

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of the wireless electricalstimulation system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of the transmitter of the wirelesselectrical stimulation system;

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the receiver/electricalstimulation unit of the wireless electrical stimulation system;

FIG. 29 is an exemplary X-cable of the wireless electrical stimulationsystem;

FIG. 30 illustrates a receiver/electrical stimulation unit connectedwith electrodes using the exemplary X-cable of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 illustrates another exemplary X-cable adapted to connect withelectrodes of the wireless electrical stimulation system;

FIG. 32 is an exemplary Y-cable of the wireless electrical stimulationsystem; and

FIG. 33 illustrates a receiver/electrical stimulation unit connectedwith electrodes using the exemplary Y-cable of FIG. 32.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide wireless electricalstimulation systems and operating methods of a plurality of wirelesselectrical stimulation units on a subject. Thus embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be used to conveniently control electrode pads todeliver electrical pulses to particular areas of human bodies for nerveand/or muscle stimulation.

As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a wireless electricalstimulation system 100 generally includes at least two electricalstimulation units 102, 104, and a transmitter 106. The transmitter 106remotely, wirelessly controls each of the electrical stimulation units102, 104 to deliver electrical pulses to body tissue via electrode pads107 connected to the electrical stimulation unit. The number of theelectrical stimulation units can be as many as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the transmitter 106 generally includes a unitselector 108 for selecting one electrical stimulation units to controlwith the transmitter 106. In this preferred embodiment the unit selector108 is a single remote control button that allows the user to select achannel to remotely, wirelessly transmit operating instructions to oneof the plurality of wireless electrical stimulation units. The unitselector button 108 preferably has a letter “C” on it, indicating to theuser that the button 108 controls the channel selection. A user canselect different wireless electrical stimulation unit by pressing thebutton 108, which can cycle through the available channels. In analternative embodiment, pressing the button 108 switches the transmitterto the channel mode, and the channel can be increased by pressingincrease and decrease buttons 120 and 122, described in more detailbelow.

The transmitter 106 preferably also includes a display 110 forindicating which of the electrical stimulation units has been selected.When the user presses the button 108, the letter “C” on the display 110flashes and indicates that the transmitter 106 is selecting a channelthereby selecting an electrical stimulation unit to control with. Forexample shown in FIG. 3, a number “3” displayed by the letter “C” on thedisplay 110 indicates a communication connection to the number 3electrical stimulation unit. Pressing the button 108 again changes thechannel on which the transmitter 106 operates and thus changes theelectrical stimulation unit the transmitter 106 controls, and changesthe number displayed on the display 110.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7, an electrode pad 107 having a pair of electrodes142 is provided. An electrode pad 107 is preferably releasably connectedwith each electrical stimulation unit to apply a time-varying electricpotential to the electrodes 142 to provide an electrical stimulation totissue in electrical contact with the electrodes. In some preferredembodiments, a processor (not shown) may be provided in the electricalstimulation units to apply time-varying electric potential to theelectrodes. The electrode pads 107 preferably have a pair of male metalsnaps 114 for attaching to a pair of female metal snaps 115 on theelectrical stimulation units. The metal snaps can alternatively be someother type or design of fastener for releasably engaging andelectrically connecting the electrode pad 107 to the electricalstimulation unit.

The electrode pad 107 preferably includes a flexible substrate so thatit can be easily applied on a body surface, for example, ankles, knees,wrists, shoulders, neck, etc. In other embodiments, the electrodes canalso be carried on an article of clothing (e.g., accessories as gloves,socks, slippers, hats, etc.). The article of clothing preferablyincludes a pair of fasteners for removably attaching and electricallyconnecting with the electrical stimulation unit, forming an electroniccircuit to apply an electrical stimulation to tissue in electricalcontact with the electrodes.

At least some of the electrical stimulation units have at least twooperating modes, each of which applies a time-varying electricalpotential to the electrodes in a different pattern. FIGS. 8-19illustrate some exemplary waveforms for four exemplary operating modes.Of course fewer or additional, or different operating modes havingdifferent pulse frequencies, pulse-widths, treatment pattern repetitioncycles and amplitudes, can be provided. Below is a table summarizing thefour example operating modes:

TABLE 1 Parameters for Four Modes Testing With a Load of 1 KΩ TreatmentPulse Pulse- pattern frequency width repetition Amplitude (Hz) (μs)cycle(s) (V) Mode 1 (FIGS. 8-9) 52 100 4.5 60 Mode 2 (FIGS. 10-12) 11100 4.5 75 Mode 3 (FIGS. 13-14) 1.2 100 continuous 75 Mode 4 (FIGS.15-19) 1^(st) Stage: 1.9-8.3 100 75 2^(nd) Stage: 60 100 90 (total) 583^(rd) Stage:   1-11.5 100 75 4^(th) Stage: 53.5 100 60

The transmitter 106 preferably further includes a mode selector forselecting an operating mode for each electrical stimulation unit. Themode selector is preferably a single remote control button 112 that canbe used to remotely, wirelessly transmit operating instructions of auser selected operating mode to the selected one of the plurality ofwireless electrical stimulation units. The unit selector button 108preferably has a letter “M” on it, indicating to the user that thebutton controls the mode. A user can select different operating modes bypressing the button 112, which cycles through the available modes. Auser can select different wireless electrical stimulation unit bypressing the button 108, which can cycle through the available channels.In an alternative embodiment, pressing the button 112 switches thetransmitter to the operating mode, and the mode can be changed bypressing increase and decrease buttons 120 and 122, described in moredetail below.

The transmitter 106 can further include a display 116 for indicatingwhich of the operating modes has been selected. When the user pressesthe mode selector 112, the letter “M” on the display 116 flashes andindicates that the transmitter 106 is selecting an operating mode for aselected electrical stimulation unit. For example shown in FIG. 3, anumber “3” displayed adjacent the letter “M” on the display 110indicates an operating mode 3 is selected for the selected electricalstimulation unit. Pressing the mode selector 112 can change the numberdisplayed and thereby change the operating modes of the selectedelectrical stimulation unit to be controlled with. Alternatively, themode selector button 112 can be pressed to enter the mode selectionmode, and then the increase and decrease buttons 120 and 122 can beoperated to select the desired mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, at least some of the electrical stimulation unitspreferably include a working status indicator 118. The working statusindicator 118 is “on” when the electrical stimulation unit is poweredon. When an electrical stimulation unit 102, 104 is selected to becontrolled, the working status indicator 118 of this selected electricalstimulation unit 102, 104 flashes or blinks in response to the operatinginstructions transmitted from the transmitter 106.

At least some of the electrical stimulation units are capable ofoperating at at least two intensities. As shown in FIG. 3, thetransmitter 106 includes an intensity selector for selecting differentintensities. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, theintensity selector consists of an increase button 120 and a decreasebutton 122 for increasing and decreasing the operating intensity for theelectrical stimulation unit to be controlled with. The increase button120 and decrease button 122 are remote control buttons that remotely,wirelessly transmits operating instructions of a user selected intensityto a selected one of the plurality of wireless electrical stimulationunits. The increase and decrease buttons 120 and 122 preferably have “+”and “−” signs respectively, to indicate their function to the user. Auser can adjust the operating intensity by pressing the buttons 120 and122 to a level the user desires.

As shown in FIG. 3, the transmitter 106 can further include a display124 for indicating the level of the operating intensity that has beenselected. When the user presses either the increase button 120 or thedecrease button 122, the word “intensity” on the display 124 flashes andindicates that the transmitter 106 is selecting an operating intensityfor the selected electrical stimulation unit. The display 124 preferablyshows a number of bars along the circumferential edge of the displayindicating the level of the intensity.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the transmitter 106′preferably includes a time selector 126 for selecting a preferredoperating time period for at least some of the electrical stimulationunits. The time selector 126 is a single remote control button thatremotely, wirelessly transmits operating instructions of a user selectedoperating time period/duration to a selected electrical stimulationunit. The time selector button 126 preferably has a letter “T” on it. Auser can select different operating time period by continuing to pressthe button 126.

As shown in FIG. 20, the transmitter 106′ further can include a display128 for indicating the operating time period selected. When the userpresses the time selector button 126, the number on the digital display128 changes and indicates the operating time (preferably in minutes)being selected for a selected electrical stimulation unit to controlwith. The display 124 is preferably a digital display showing the numberof minutes selected by the user.

In some embodiments, at least some of the electrical stimulation unitsturn off when communication with the transmitter 106 is interrupted. Insome preferred embodiments, at least some of the electrical stimulationunit turns off a predetermined time after communication with thetransmitter is interrupted. The predetermined time, for example, can beone quarter hour, one half an hour, or an hour. The communication may beinterrupted due to a long distance between the electrical stimulationunit and the transmitter. For example, wireless communicationtechnologies typically have a range of about 15 meters outdoors andabout 10 meters indoors. The communication may alternatively beinterrupted because the transmitter is turned off, or runs out of power.Accordingly, the user can turn off the transmitter to save battery,while the electrical stimulation units can continue operating at thepreselected intensity and mode for the predetermined time. This featuremay help the user stay safer when using the wireless electricalstimulation system.

In some embodiments, at least some of the electrical stimulation unitspreferably include a power switch 130 as shown in FIG. 7. The workingstatus indicator 118 is on/off when the power switch is pressed on/offrespectively.

Additionally, the transmitter and each electrical stimulation unitpreferably include their own internal power supply (not shown). Theinternal power supply is preferably a rechargeable battery, or othersuitable energy storage device. Each electrical stimulation unitpreferably includes a charging indicator 132 as shown in FIG. 21. Thecharging indicator 132 is on when the electrical stimulation unit 104 ischarging, and turns off when the electrical stimulation unit 104 iseither disconnected form the charging source or is fully charged. Eachelectrical stimulation unit is preferably charged using a USB connector134 connecting to an AC adapter 136. As shown in FIGS. 22-24, the USBconnector 134 and the AC adapter 136 can also be used to charge arechargeable battery in the transmitter 106. The transmitter 106preferably includes a battery display 138 indicates the state of chargeand/or charging status.

Alternatively, the transmitter 106″ can be a smart phone running anapplication as shown in FIG. 25. The smart phone applications havedifferent control buttons for the user to tap on to select the operatingmodes, operating time period, channels, intensity, massage strength andfrequency, etc. For example shown in FIG. 25, the smart phoneapplication can have a mode selector 140 for selecting an operating modefor at least some of the electrical stimulation units. The mode selector140 preferably includes a group of buttons indicating differentoperating modes to choose from. The smart phone application preferablyincludes a time selector 144 for selecting/displaying a preferredoperating time period for at least some of the electrical stimulationunits. The time selector 144 preferably includes a virtual dial timer. Auser can select a preferred operating time period by dialing the virtualdial timer of the time selector 144. The smart phone application furtherpreferably includes an intensity selector 146 and a frequency selector148 for selecting a preferred operating intensity and a preferredoperating frequency respectively. The intensity selector 146 preferablyincludes an increasing button 120′ and a decreasing button 122′. A usercan adjust the operating intensity by pressing the buttons 120′ and 122′to a level the user desires. The frequency selector 148 preferablyincludes a virtual slider control. A user can adjust the operatingfrequency by sliding the virtual slider control of the frequencyselector 148 to a frequency the user desires.

In some embodiments, the transmitter wirelessly communicates with theelectrical stimulation units via RF protocol operating in the 2.4 GHzband. For example, Bluetooth or Wifi technologies may be used.

As shown in FIG. 26, one transmitter having a master RF transceiver chipcan wirelessly control multiple electrical stimulation units havingslave RF transceiver chips as receivers through 2.4 GHz wirelessconnections.

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of the transmitter of the wirelesselectrical stimulation system. The transmitter generally includes themaster RF transceiver chip (3) with its input and output connected to amaster transceiver antenna (9) and a master microcontroller (5). All thefunction keys of the master controller (6) are connected to the inputsof the master microcontroller (5). The master control LCD display screen(7) is connected to the output of master microcontroller (5). The inputof the master RF transceiver chip (3) may also be connected to an outputof a master crystal oscillator (8). A master power management circuit(4) generally supplies the electrical power to the master RF transceiverchip (3) and the master microcontroller (5). The master controllerfunction keys (6) preferably include a channel selector “C”, a modeselector “M”, a time selector “T”, an intensity increaser “+”, and anintensity decreaser “−”, etc.

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the receiver/electricalstimulation unit of the wireless electrical stimulation system. Thereceiver/electrical stimulation unit generally includes a slave RFtransceiver chip (10) with its input and output connected to a slavetransceiver antenna (18) and a slave microcontroller (11). A slaveworking status indicator light (12) and a slave controller chargingindicator light (13) are connected to the input and output of the slavemicrocontroller (11). A power switch is connected to the input andoutput of the slave microcontroller (11). An electrode A (15) and anelectrode B (14) are connected to the outputs of the slavemicrocontroller (12). The input of the slave RF transceiver chip (10) isconnected to an output of a slave crystal oscillator (17). A slave powermanagement circuit (16) generally supplies the electrical power to theslave RF transceiver chip (10) and the slave microcontroller (11). Theslave microcontroller may also control a slave working status indicatorlight (12) and a slave charging indicator light.

The wireless operation of a plurality of electrical stimulation units isimplemented with the communication between the master RF transceiverchip (3) of the wireless transmitter (1) and the wireless slave RFtransceiver chip (10) of the wireless receiver (2).

The master and slave RF transceiver chip (3), (10) is a highlyintegrated 2.4 GHz wireless transceiver chip. The master and slavemicrocontrollers (5) and (11) communicate with each other by using atransmit-receive FIFO register on the chip to store the data, and thentransfer at a maximum 2 Mbps rate in the air to accomplish the wirelesscontrol.

The slave RF transceiver chip (10) is preferably a highly integrated 2.4GHz RF transceiver chip. The slave RF transceiver chip (10) receives adata packet from the transmitter. The data packet is preferably an 8-bitunsigned data packet and is preferably stored in a First-In-First-Out(FIFO) register. The slave RF transceiver chip (10) then sends anAcknowledgement (ACK) signal to the transmitter to notify thetransmitter that the data packet has been safely received. The maximumdata transfer rate is preferably 2 Mbps. The buffer of the FIFO registeris cleared after a communication is finished and the register is readyfor the next communication.

The transmitter of the wireless electrical stimulation system preferablymatches the code sent by each electrical stimulation units with apredetermined code before connecting with one of the plurality of theelectrical stimulation units to further control the operation of eachelectrical stimulation unit. The transmitter preferably communicateswith different electrical stimulation units on different channels atdifferent frequencies. Alternatively the communication could be on thesame channel at the same frequency, with each message encoded for aparticular electrical stimulation unit. Of course in some applicationsit may be desirable that a transmitter simultaneously control multipleelectrical stimulation units, and thus in some embodiments at least someof the electrical stimulation units operate on the same channel orfrequency, or are responsive to the same encoded signals.

Further, in order to allow more convenient control, the transmitter ofthe wireless electrical stimulation system preferably consolidates allthe necessary selector displays on one single LCD screen. The LCD screenalso displays the working status of the electrical stimulation units,such as the operating modes, the operating intensities, the operationtime periods, etc., and the status of the transmitter, such as the stateof the charge and the receivers currently being controlled, etc.

In an alternative embodiment, an electrical stimulation system mayfurther include a cable configured to electrically connect theelectrical stimulation unit to at least two electrodes to applyelectrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation unit tothe electrodes positioned remotely from the electrical stimulation unit.Thus, the electrodes can be adapted to be disposed in electrical contactwith a subject's body located far away from the single electricalstimulation unit. Further, the electrodes can also be disposed spacedapart from each other so that parts of the subject's body spaced furtherapart from each other can be treated. For example, limbs of the body,sides of the back, and/or sides of the waist, etc. This has largelyincreased applications of the electrical stimulation system.

FIGS. 29-30 illustrate an exemplary cable 250 that can be used toelectrically connect an electrical stimulation unit 204 to the twoelectrodes 207 a, 207 b to apply electrical stimulation signals from theelectrical stimulation unit 204 to the electrodes 207 a, 207 bpositioned remotely from the electrical stimulation unit 204.

As shown in FIGS. 29-30, the exemplary cable 250 is an X-cable havingtwo input branches 252 a, 252 b and two output branches 254 a, 254 b,connectors 256 a, 256 b on each of the input branches 252 a, 252 badapted to be connected to the electrical stimulation unit 204, andconnectors 258 a, 258 b on each of the output branches 254 a, 254 badapted to connected to electrodes 207 a, 207 b respectively. The cable250 may include two plastic wrapped flexible copper wires 250 a, 250 bthat are bonded with each other in parallel. The two bonded wrappedwires may be easily torn apart so that the two branches 254 a, 254 b canbecome longer and connectors 258 a, 258 b can be spaced further apartfrom each other, such that parts of the body spaced further apart fromeach other and from the electrical stimulation unit 204 can be treated.

In some embodiments, the connectors 256 a, 256 b on the input branches252 a, 252 b can be permanently attached (e.g., soldered, welded,brazed, cemented, etc.) to the electrical stimulation unit 204.

Additionally, the connectors 258 a, 258 b on the output branches 254 a,254 b of some embodiments can be permanently attached (e.g., soldered,welded, brazed, cemented, etc.) to electrodes 207 a, 207 b respectively.

In some embodiments, the connectors 256 a, 256 b on the input branches252 a, 252 b may include metal fasteners configured for removablycoupling with corresponding structures of the electrical stimulationunit 204. For example, as shown in FIGS. 29-30, the metal fasteners onthe connectors 256 a, 256 b may be a pair of female metal snaps forattaching to a pair of male metal snaps on the electrical stimulationunit 204, or vice versa.

In some embodiments, the connectors 258 a, 258 b on the output branches254 a, 254 b may also include fasteners configured for removablycoupling with corresponding structures on the electrodes 207 a, 207 brespectively. For example, as shown in FIGS. 29-30, the metal fastenerson the connectors 258 a, 258 b may be a pair of male metal snaps 260 a,260 b for attaching to a pair of female metal snaps on the electrodes207 a, 207 b, or vice versa.

The metal snaps can alternatively be some other type or design offastener for releasably engaging and electrically connecting the cable250 to the electrical stimulation unit 204 and/or the electrodes 207 a,207 b. Some other fastening force may also be used, such as withmagnets, vacuum (like suction cups), or even friction.

An electronic circuit is formed by the cable 250 connecting from theelectrical stimulation unit 204 to the electrodes 207 a, 207 b to applyan electrical stimulation to tissue in electrical contact with theelectrodes 207 a, 207 b.

The electrodes 207 a, 207 b can be carried on substrates adapted to beapplied on a body surface. In some embodiments, the electrodes 207 a,207 b can be carried on a pair of articles of clothing (e.g., a pair ofgloves, a pair of socks, a pair of slippers, etc.) that can directlycontact particular areas of the body surface.

FIG. 31 shows an alternative X-cable 350 that is used to electricallyconnect an electrical stimulation unit to the two electrodes 307 a, 307b. The X-cable includes similar features/structures as the X-cable 250except that the connectors 358 a, 358 b of the output branches 354 a,354 b may include needle/plug style connectors configured for removablyinterfacing with corresponding needle/plug style connectors 314 a, 314 battached on the electrodes 207 a, 207 b respectively. For example, asshown in FIG. 31, the connectors 358 a, 358 b may include metal pins 360a, 360 b for inserting into sockets 362 a, 362 b of connectors 314 a,314 b of the electrodes 307 a, 307 b, or vice versa. Specifically, theneedle/plug style connectors may be 3.5 mm standard connectors.

FIGS. 32-33 illustrate a Y-cable 450 that can be used to electricallyconnect an electrical stimulation unit 404 to the two electrodes 407 a,407 b to apply electrical stimulation signals from the electricalstimulation unit 404 to the electrodes 407 a, 407 b positioned remotelyfrom the electrical stimulation unit 404.

As shown in FIGS. 32-33, the Y-cable 450 includes a stem 464 and twobranches 454 a, 454 b, with a plug 456 disposed on the end of the stem464 and connectors 458 a, 458 b disposed on the branches 454 a, 454 brespectively. The plug 456 is configured to couple with a socket 466 onthe electrical stimulation unit 404. Similar to the X-cables 250, 350,each of the connectors 458 a, 458 b are configured for attaching andelectrically connecting to electrodes 407 a, 407 b respectively. Alsosimilar to cables 250, 350, the two bonded wrapped wires of the stem 464can be easily torn apart so that the two branches 454 a, 454 b becomelonger and connectors 458 a, 458 b can be spaced further apart from eachother, such that the electrodes 407 a, 407 b can treat further apartspaced parts of the body.

Similar to the cable 250, the connectors 458 a, 458 b on the branches454 a, 454 b of some embodiments can be permanently attached (e.g.,soldered, welded, brazed, cemented, etc.) with electrodes 407 a, 407 brespectively.

In some embodiments, the connectors 458 a, 458 b on the output branches454 a, 454 b may also include fasteners configured for removablycoupling with corresponding structures on the electrodes 407 a, 407 brespectively. For example, the metal fasteners on the connectors 458 a,458 b may be a pair of male metal snaps 460 a, 460 b for attaching to apair of female metal snaps on the electrodes 407 a, 407 b, or viceversa.

The metal snaps can alternatively be some other type or design offastener for releasably engaging and electrically connecting the cable450 to the electrodes 407 a, 407 b. Some other fastening force may alsobe used, such as with magnets, vacuum (like suction cups), or evenfriction.

In some embodiments, the plug 456 may be a 3.5 mm standard plugconfigured for inserting into the socket 468 of the stimulation unit 404to receive electrical stimulation signals from the electricalstimulation unit 404.

Exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that maybe achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do notlimit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentionedadvantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapesdisclosed herein are examples in nature and do not limit the scope ofthe present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values andparticular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive ofother values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more ofthe examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any twoparticular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define theendpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the givenparameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value fora given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any valuebetween the first and second values could also be employed for the givenparameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to havevalue A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned thatparameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z.Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges ofvalues for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping ordistinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value thatmight be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example,if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may haveother ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3,3-10, and 3-9.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculationor the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (withsome approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonablyclose to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecisionprovided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with thisordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at leastvariations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or usingsuch parameters. For example, the terms “generally,” “about,” and“substantially,” may be used herein to mean within manufacturingtolerances. Or for example, the term “about” as used herein whenmodifying a quantity of an ingredient or reactant of the invention oremployed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can happenthrough typical measuring and handling procedures used, for example,when making concentrates or solutions in the real world throughinadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in themanufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make thecompositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term “about”also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibriumconditions for a composition resulting from a particular initialmixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” the claims includeequivalents to the quantities.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A wireless electrical stimulation systemcomprising: at least one electrical stimulation unit having electrodesconnected to the at least one electrical stimulation unit and configuredto deliver electrical pulses to muscle groups or nerve areas adjacent abody surface to which the electrodes are applied, wherein the electrodesare configured to be applied externally to the body; and a transmitterfor remotely, wirelessly controlling the at least one electricalstimulation unit by transmitting operating instructions corresponding toa selected one of a plurality of operating modes to the at least oneelectrical stimulation unit through a channel at a predeterminedfrequency using a remote control and matching a code sent by the atleast one electrical stimulation unit with a predetermined code beforesending the operating instructions to selectively apply a time-varyingelectric potential to the electrodes to provide an electricalstimulation to the muscle groups or the nerve areas through the bodysurface in electrical contact with the electrodes, wherein the operatinginstructions corresponding to the selected one of the plurality ofoperating modes for a plurality of treatment patterns to the musclegroups and the nerve areas are transmitted to the at least oneelectrical stimulation unit, and include at least one of a plurality ofpulse frequencies, a plurality of pulse-widths, a plurality of treatmentpattern repetition cycles, a plurality of amplitudes, a plurality ofintensities, and a plurality of time periods of operation.
 22. Thewireless electrical stimulation system according to claim 21, whereinthe electrodes are releasably connected to the at least one electricalstimulation unit.
 23. The wireless electrical stimulation systemaccording to claim 21, wherein the transmitter includes an antenna forfacilitating communication with the at least one electrical stimulationunit.
 24. The wireless electrical stimulation system according to claim23, wherein the transmitter further includes a radio frequency (RF)transceiver chip having an input and an output, wherein the input andthe output are respectively connected to the antenna.
 25. The wirelesselectrical stimulation system according to claim 21, wherein the atleast one electrical stimulation unit has at least two operating modes,each of which applies a time-varying electrical potential to theelectrodes in a pattern, and wherein the transmitter has a mode selectorfor selecting one of the at least two operating modes for the at leastone electrical stimulation unit.
 26. The wireless electrical stimulationsystem according to claim 25, wherein the transmitter includes a displayfor indicating which of the operating modes has been selected.
 27. Thewireless electrical stimulation system according to claim 21, whereinthe at least one electrical stimulation unit is capable of operating atat least two intensities, and wherein the transmitter has an intensityselector for selecting one of the at least two intensities of operationfor the at least one electrical stimulation unit.
 28. The wirelesselectrical stimulation system according to claim 27, wherein theintensity selector comprises an increase control and a decrease control.29. The wireless electrical stimulation system according to claim 27,wherein the transmitter includes a display for indicating the intensitythat has been selected.
 30. The wireless electrical stimulation systemaccording to claim 21, wherein the at least one electrical stimulationunit is capable of operating for a selectable time period, and thetransmitter has a time selector for selecting the time period ofoperation for the at least one electrical stimulation unit.
 31. Thewireless electrical stimulation system according to claim 21, whereinthe transmitter is a smart phone running an application.
 32. Thewireless electrical stimulation system according to claim 21, whereinthe at least one electrical stimulation unit is carried on a flexiblesubstrate to be applied on the body surface.
 33. The wireless electricalstimulation system according to claim 21, wherein the at least oneelectrical stimulation unit is carried on an article of clothing.
 34. Awireless electrical stimulation system comprising: at least oneelectrical stimulation unit having electrodes connected to the at leastone electrical stimulation unit and configured to deliver electricalpulses to muscle groups or nerve areas adjacent a body surface to whichthe electrodes are applied, wherein the electrodes are configured to beapplied externally to the body; a processor for applying a time-varyingelectric potential to the electrodes to provide an electricalstimulation to the muscle groups or the nerve areas through the bodysurface in electrical contact with the electrodes; and a transmitter forremotely, wirelessly controlling the at least one electrical stimulationunit, the transmitter configured to send through a channel at apredetermined frequency: a predetermined code to the at least oneelectrical stimulation unit; and operating instructions corresponding toa selected one of a plurality of operating modes after matching thepredetermined code with the at least one electric stimulation unit,wherein the operating instructions corresponding to the selected one ofthe plurality of operating modes for a plurality of treatment patternsto the muscle groups and the nerve areas are transmitted to the at leastone electrical stimulation unit, and include at least one of a pluralityof pulse frequencies, a plurality of pulse-widths, a plurality oftreatment pattern repetition cycles, a plurality of amplitudes, aplurality of intensities, and a plurality of time periods of operation.35. The wireless electrical stimulation system according to claim 34,wherein the electrodes are releasably connected to the electricalstimulation unit.
 36. The wireless electrical stimulation systemaccording to claim 34, wherein: the transmitter includes a masterantenna for facilitating communication with the at least one electricalstimulation unit; and the at least one electrical stimulation unitincludes a slave antenna for facilitating communication with thetransmitter.
 37. The wireless electrical stimulation system according toclaim 36, wherein: the transmitter further includes a master RFtransceiver chip having an input and an output, wherein the input andthe output are connected to the master antenna; and the at least oneelectrical stimulation unit includes a slave RF transceiver chip havingan input and an output, wherein the input and the output arerespectively connected to the slave antenna.
 38. The wireless electricalstimulation system according to claim 34, wherein the at least oneelectrical stimulation unit has at least two operating modes each ofwhich applies a time-varying electrical potential to the electrodes in adifferent pattern, and wherein the transmitter includes: a mode selectorfor selecting one of the at least two operating modes for the at leastone electrical stimulation unit, and a display for indicating which ofthe operating modes has been selected for the electrical stimulationunit being controlled.
 39. The wireless electrical stimulation systemaccording to claim 38, wherein the at least one electrical stimulationunit is capable of operating at at least two intensities, and whereinthe transmitter includes: an intensity selector for selecting one of theat least two intensities of operation for the at least one electricalstimulation unit, and a display for indicating the intensity that hasbeen selected for the electrical stimulation unit being controlled. 40.The wireless electrical stimulation system according to claim 34 whereinthe at least one electrical stimulation unit turns off a predeterminedtime after communication with the transmitter is interrupted.